There are things you should never spare on: quality linens, dentist and flooring. We are often asked if polished concrete is expensive. After all, it seems so.

Given the sophisticated and distinctive look that polished concrete can give a space, it’s no surprise that many people think it’s out of reach.

You may be pleased to learn that, in the long run, polished concrete is much cheaper than it looks. Because investing in quality is always worthwhile. This is why it is worth investing.

You can choose your finish according to your budget

The first thing to note is that you have options. There are so many ways to achieve the look of polished concrete, giving you the ability to customize your project to your budget.

For all polished concrete projects, the cost will depend on the amount of grinding required . A light grind will be cheaper than a heavy grind. Light grinding with an enamel results in a nice looking floor and is the cheapest option. But if you’ve used a colored or decorative concrete mix, then you’ll want to sand the surface to expose it all.

Concrete floors treated with sealants

One of the simplest methods, the one treated with sealants (in English “ grind and seal “), allows to obtain a shiny appearance of the cement by applying a topical sealant to the surface. Unlike polished concrete, the surface is not mechanically polished with a polisher, but it is still possible to achieve the glossy look. This makes it a more affordable option.

However, although it is more durable than many other flooring options, concrete treated with sealants will require more maintenance than traditional polished concrete. This is because the sealant used to smooth and seal the concrete is on the surface, so it can be damaged more easily. The cost of resealing floors can increase over the years.

Polished concrete floors

The smoothed concrete provides a method of smoothing the surface of the concrete to expose the aggregate and the use of different levels of diamond grit to obtain a shiny surface. The smooth concrete is then sealed with a penetrating sealant to protect the concrete.

It is very similar to the grinding and sealing method, but the penetrating sealant gives the surface greater protection, which means it can withstand heavy foot traffic without being damaged. This is also a cheaper option than polished concrete.

Mechanically polished concrete floors

Then there is the polished concrete. Unbeatable in appearance and functionality. This is the stuff of design dreams and the best possible finish you can choose.

mechanical polishing of concrete involves grinding, finishing and polishing a surface using diamond bonded abrasives before applying a chemical hardener to thicken the concrete.

Did you think concrete was hard enough? Think again. Polishing concrete increases actually the life of the concrete surface, which means it is one of the most durable and resistant surfaces on the market, greatly extending the life of your floors.

You should also consider the different design options available to you when considering your budget for polished concrete floors. Polished concrete floors are customizable to your individual style or functional needs. Colors, full exposure, gloss level. The world is at your feet. But every decision will have its costs.

Consider the durability value of polished concrete floors

But here’s the thing when considering polished concrete versus other flooring materials: you need to think in terms of value, not cost. That’s why you choose sheets with the best texture. There is really no other surface comparable to polished concrete: appearance, longevity, durability. It has it all.

Polished concrete floors will not go out of style

Take, for example, appearance. No other surface will give you the high-quality look that interior designers and architects have been looking for for years. Stained carpets, brown 70s linoleum, sticky tiles. No thanks.

Polished concrete is a fabulous and striking option that pairs well with other trendy style choices. Additionally, installing a sleek polished concrete floor can increase the value of your home or property.

Polished concrete floors last a long time and require little maintenance

Then there is the durability and longevity of the surface, which is really the strong point. Concrete is one of the strongest materials you can use for your floors. It can withstand extremely heavy foot traffic, which is why supermarkets and factories use it.

When maintained properly (which doesn’t take much – it’s one of the lowest maintenance options out there), your polished concrete floors can last for hundreds of years. You’ll never have to replace your floors and repairs will be minimal, saving you a lot of money in the long run.

Wood floorboards, on the other hand, will almost always be more expensive to install than polished concrete and will cost more to maintain in the long run. Likewise, floor tiles will cost more in time and effort to keep them clean.

Polished concrete floors will save you money on heating and cooling

Polished concrete is a thermal mass material and is often used in passive solar design. It has the ability to absorb and store heat and release it slowly.

It’s a sustainable and green option, making buildings more energy efficient and saving you money on your heating and cooling bills.

Compare that to the polished wooden floorboards. They are generally not well insulated, so include heating and insulation costs.

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